Swing time!
Oscar-nominated director Taylor Hackford (An Officer and a Gentleman, Ray) directs this swinging new musical play at Chicago's Royal George Theater. Written by Jack Broder and Vanessa Stewart, Louis & Kelly traces the personal and professional relationship between a pair of 1950s crooners, Louis Prima and Keely Smith, whose Vegas lounge act paved the way for the likes of The Rat Pack. Co-Creator stewart will play Keely, while taking on the role of Louis is Tony winner Anthony Crivello (Kiss of the Spider Woman, Heather: The Musical).
Taylor Hackford first saw Louis & Keely during its initial run at LA's Sacred Fools Theater in 2008 and was immediately struck by its potential. He worked closely with the show's creators to bring a revised and expanded version to the city's Geffen Playhouse the following year, which proved to be a smash hit and was extended a total of seven times, due to public demand.
What is Louis & Keely About?
Before the Rat Pack and Sonny and Cher, there was Louis & Keely. Comprised of veteran Italian-American crooner Louis Prima and his young wife Keely Smith, the duo hit the big time in the 1950s with their residency at The Sahara Hotel and Casino. This musical traces their tumultuous relationship, on and off the Vegas stage, through some of their greatest numbers.